Sneezing, sniffling, runny nose, even coughing are symptoms of seasonal allergies and may also be reactions to our most favorite foods. But did you know a little alcohol might also cause havoc in your sinuses?

Writing in the New York Times health blog, “Really: The Claim,” Anahad O’Connor states that studies have show that alcoholic beverages may cause an allergic response. Beer, wine and liquor contain histamine, produced by yeast and bacteria during the fermentation process. Histamine, of course, is the chemical that sets off allergy symptoms.

In one study in Sweden in 2005, scientists looked at thousands of people and found that compared with the general population, those with diagnoses of asthma, bronchitis and hay fever were far more likely to experience sneezing, a runny nose and ”lower-airway symptoms” after having a drink. For unknown reasons, women were about twice as likely to be affected as men. Another study published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy in 2008 confirmed this finding and said having two glasses of wine a day almost doubles the risk of allergy symptoms, even among women.

If you think you suspect allergy symptoms after consuming alcohol, contact Dr. Arthur M. Lubitz, allergist/immunologist @mdallergy.com, tel.# 212-247-7447. He’ll prescribe the treatment that’s right for you.

While modern medical care has made major strides in the treatment and prevention of many childhood illnesses, over the past 30 years has seen a sharp increase in childhood asthma rates which has puzzled many physicians and research scientists.

An article in the Science section of the New York Times, December 19, noted that asthma rates accelerated in the 1980s about the same time that aspirin was linked to Ree’s syndrome in children. Doctors stopped giving aspirin to children with fevers, and instead opted for acetaminophen. In a paper published in 1998, Dr. Arthur Varner, an immunologist at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine said an increase in asthma rates was due to a switch from aspirin to acetaminophen. More than 20 studies have supported his theory.

In November, Dr. John T. McBride, a pediatrician at Akron Children’s Hospital in Ohio, published a paper in the journal Pediatrics  linking acetaminophen and asthma rates.   He concurred with same conclusion reached by British researchers in 2000  led by a pharmocoepidemiolist Mahyar Etiminan. “We know that acetaminophen can cause increased bronchial constriction and wheezing.  Still, Dr. Etminan  urges caution, “children who take acetaminophen are usually getting it for fever control, which is due to viral infections that on their own are associated with developing asthma later in life.  It’s hard to tease out whether it’s the drug or the viral infection.”

For treatment of childhood asthma or questions about medications used for common childhood illnesses, contact Dr. Arthur M. Lubitz, allergist/immunologist @mdallergy.com, tel#212-247-7447.  He’ll provide the treatment that’s right for your family.

Stocking up on cold and flu medications this winter? No need to do so reports the Wall Street Journal’s health blog, which claims three new products on the market are designed to prevent or lessen the severity of  colds and flu.

The first product is for the nose. Called Nozin Nasal Sanitizer it consists of a 62% alcohol antiseptic and moisturizers in a special formulation designed to last eight hours. It is applied in and around the nostrals.

The second is the The GermBullet inhaler. The product’s package says it kills “99.2% of germs” and “helps reduce the risk of infection.” Pathogens killed include rhinovirus and Influenza A.  GermBullet is a blend of 11 oils in a bullet-shaped inhaler.

The third is A $20 scarf by GermBana Inc. The idea is to use the scarf to cover your mouth and nose when around others who may be ill, or to sneeze into it so pathogens will be killed instead of lingering to infect others. It claims to have killed 99.2% of bacteria.

However, since these products have not undergone long-term clinical trials, many physicians and scientists doubt the medical claims made by these products.

If you suffer from cold and flu viruses, contact Dr. Arthur Lubitz, allergist/immunologist @md allergy.com, tel# 212-247-7447. He’ll prescribe the treatment that’s right for you.

Consumers are buying more air fresheners and scented candles and there is a rise of respiratory problems in homes where these products are used, according to allergists at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Boston, Nov 3-8.

“This is a much bigger problem than people realize,” said Stanley Fineman, MD, ACAAI president-elect. “About 20 percent of the population and 34 percent of people with asthma report health problems from air fresheners. We know air freshener fragrances can trigger allergy symptoms, aggravate existing allergies and worsen asthma.” Dr. Fineman warns many of these products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are merely “covering up” —not eliminating—odors in the home.

Studies show that even VOC exposure levels below currently accepted recommendations increase risk of asthma in children. High concentrations of VOCs can trigger eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, and even memory impairment. In his presentation, Dr. Fineman discusses a study of plug-in deodorizers that included more than 20 different VOCs with more than one third of those classified as toxic or hazardous.

If you are experiencing increased respiratory or asthmatic problems at home or work, it may be caused by these airborne chemicals or scents. For a full diagnosis and treatment, contact Dr. Arthur Lubitz, allergist/immunologist, at mdallergy.com, tel.# 212-247-7447.

Air pollution, which is all around us on earth, may also follow you up in the air.  In the plane cabin, air pollutants such as pollens, food and chemical allergies or sensitivities are literally “airborne.”

For allergy suffers, airline travel is troublesome.  Individuals affected by cat or dog allergies may sense these odors and particles on their fellow passengers.  Similarly, people wearing perfumes, hairsprays and colognes may affect other passengers.   And food allergy suffers risk having symptoms if they eat airline food which may contain peanut, milk, wheat and soy products; and some may even suffer anaphylactic symptoms.

There is also the more general problem of air circulation on planes. The air does not circulate and is relatively dry.  It can trigger allergies to pollen and common allergens.  Symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes and congestion.

An informed medical professional can prepare travelers with allergic and chemical sensitivities to have a worry-free flight. Contact Dr. Arthur Lubitz, allergist/immunologist at mdallergy.com or call tel.#212-247-7447.  He’ll provide the treatment that’s right for you.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that epinephrine inhalers which contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are being phased out by Dec. 31, 2011. Consumers are now urged to get a prescription for a replacement product because these, inhalers will no longer be available.

Epinephrine inhalers, marketed by Armstrong Pharmaceutical Inc such. as Primatene Mist, are the only FDA-approved inhalers for the temporary relief of occasional symptoms of mild asthma that are sold over-the-counter in retail stores without a prescription. The product uses CFCs (chloroflurocarbons) to propel the medicine out of the inhaler and into the users’ lungs.  Production of these inhalers will cease by year’s end due t the US participation in an agreement made under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. This international agreement pledges countries to phase-out substances that deplete the ozone layer, including CFCs, after certain dates.

Primatene Mist already carries a prominent notice about the phase-out date on its product label, and the FDA encourages Armstrong Pharmaceutical to further educate consumers as the deadline approaches to ensure an incident-free transition. The agency also will continue to work with retailers and pharmacies to facilitate a smooth phase-out of this CFC product and is prepared to review applications for replacement products.

Contact Dr. Arthur Lubitz, allergist/immunologist at mdallergy.com or call  212-274-7447, where you’ll find the best treatment for your asthma.

High levels of nickel particles and other metals are increasingly a major source indoor air pollution, according to a report released by the city’s Department of Public Health documenting nickel pollution during the winter season of 2008-09. The inhalation of these fine particles, can worsen asthma, emphysema, and increase the risk of heart attacks.

The report states that nickel levels are higher in more built-up parts of the metropolitan area, including much of Manhattan and the Northern Bronx due to the large buildings that burn residual oil (#4 or #6) in boilers used to produce heat and hot water. As a result nickel levels in these areas are nearly four times the levels found in areas with few residual oil burners.

Portable air purifiers are an important way to combat indoor pollution and utilize different filtration systems to do so; they include: 1) mechanical air filters where particles become trapped in fibers of the filter or stick to the filter because of an electrostatic charge ; 2) electronic air cleaners where an electrostatic charge traps charged particles; and 3) hepa filters which trap 99.7% of particles of .3 microns. All these are effective against airborne allergens of dust, pollen, mold, pet dander and some gases.

However, in the case of airborne metals and chemicals, the best air purifier recommended by the EPA is an activated charcoal filtration system which neutralizes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which include metals like nicked. The leading brand of these purifiers is the IQAir MultiGas HEPA Air Purifier, recommended by Consumer Digest as a “best buy”, receiving the highest EPA rating. Other brands include AlleAir and Austin Air. Costs of these portables vary by room size and percentage of trapped particles per micron.

Consult your allergist or primary care physician for the brand right for you.

During the recent heat-wave, millions of New Yorkers ran to their air-conditioners seeking relief from humidity and soaring temperatures.  But some people– writes Anahad O’Connor of the Times Sci ence section–believe that sudden drops in temperature can play havoc with the immune system. Others say air-conditioners act as germ-spewing machines.

O’Connor quotes one study in 2004 compared 920 adult women and found that those who worked in offices with central air-conditioning had higher rates of absence due to sickness and more doctor visits than those without it. A similar study found almost 800 office workers in 1998 reported more symptoms of sickness in workers in air-conditioned offices compared to workers in offices with natural ventilation.

Also another contributing factor to the unhealthy office environment is that ventilation systems in buildings, especially those with AC systems or humidification systems, disseminate contaminants into the indoor air. What these contaminants might be, and through what biological response mechanisms they cause a constellation of non-specific symptoms, is not yet clear.

If you suffer from frequent colds or sinus symptoms due to your office environment, contact Dr. Arthur Lubitz, immunologist and allergist at mdallergy.com. He’ll prescribe the right treatment for you.

A Brooklyn company, Shata Trading Inc. in July of this year, recalled bags of golden raisins because they might contain undeclared sulfites, a potential source of allergic reactions. The company said that the Three Rivers Brand Golden Raisins were distributed in New York state.

The recall was the result of sampling by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets. No illnesses or allergic reactions had been reported to date.

Sulfites can cause severe reactions in some people with asthma and anaphylactic shock in others sensitive to the chemicals. They are chemicals used as preservatives to inhibit browning and discoloration in foods and beverages during preparation, storage, and distribution.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, sulfites are found in certain foods and beverages, and in a variety of medications. Due to cases of severe reactions to sulfites, a ban by the FDA went into effect in August, 1986. This ban prohibited use of sulfites in fresh fruits and vegetables. Sulfite containing ingredients to look for on food labels include:
Sulfur dioxide
Potassium bisulfite
Potassium metabisulfite
Sodium bisulfite
Sodium metabisulfite
Sodium sulfite

Your doctor may suspect sensitivity to sulfites based on your medical history. Consult Dr. Arthur Lubitz, allergist for the treatment that’s right for you @ mdallergy.com

Among Americans with asthma, minority children are in by far the worst situation. In the United States, 20 percent of Puerto Rican children, or one in five, have asthma. Among African-American youngsters, the rate is 13 percent, compared with the national childhood average of 8 percent.  Mortality rates have dropped for Americans as a whole, but not for minority children, reports the New York Times Health blog.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, African-American and Puerto Rican children are six times as likely as white children to die of asthma. In minority children, “the prevalence of asthma is about 40 percent higher, but the difference in the adverse outcomes is three times, four times higher for hospitalizations,” said Dr. Lara Akinbami, a researcher at the center who tracks childhood asthma.

“Minority youth suffer exposure to more allergens and exposed to more allergens at higher levels in their homes,” said Dr. Andrew Liu of the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver. Dr. Liu is part of the Inner-City Asthma Consortium, a federally sponsored research initiative that looks at the severity of asthma in cities and is testing treatments to block the allergic response.

More generally, keeping up with treatment can be daunting for anyone. “Asthma is a very high-maintenance disease,” Dr. Akinbami said. “You can really control it and live without symptoms, but it’s a lot of work.” Inner-city children with asthma tend to overuse fast-acting rescue medications like albuterol at the expense of long-acting steroids like Flovent or Pulmicort, mainstays of asthma control. Language barriers often prevent doctors from accurately assessing how asthma patients are using their medicines at home.

Dr. Arthur Lubitz, allergist/internist, is Spanish-speaking and has a multi-lingual and culturally diverse caring staff that will offer your child the best treatment for asthma symptoms. To schedule an appointment contact the Dr. Lubitz at mdallergy.com.

Most of us work at jobs in a healthy environment. But according to Coping with Allergies.com, there are jobs that can trigger allergies and asthma. Occupational asthma is a illness caused by inhaling fumes, gases, dust, or other potentially harmful substances while on the job.

Symptoms of occupational asthma may include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, cough, runny nose or nasal congestion, and eye irritation and may last for many months or years in workers, even if they are no longer exposed to these substances.

Occupational asthma may be caused by one of three factors:

Direct irritant effects: such as hydrochloric acid, sulfur dioxide, and ammonia, which is found in the petroleum and chemical industries; Allergy (long-term exposure): long-term exposure (months or years) to a work-related substances; and Pharmatological: substances in aerosol form or sprayed like insecticides.

Early detection and control of symptoms is essential in treating occupational-induced asthma. If you experience any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with Dr. Arthur Lubitz, allergist/immunologist at mdallergy.com.

Allergies are increasing in America, and one of the causes may be global warming, cites a new study.

“We believe this is the first large national study to show that the growing prevalence of allergies, suggested by other studies, is largely due to increases in environment-based allergens previously associated with climate change,” said Dr. Stanley J. Naides, medical director of immunology at Quest Diagnostics, the diagnostic testing company that conducted the study.

Rises in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere along with the associated climb in global temperature create ideal growing conditions for plants. Studies have found the growth season for allergy causing weeds and plants, including ragweed, has increased in recent years.

In the Northeast, weed pollen is the main cause of seasonal allergy in the late summer and early fall and ragweed is the leading pollen in New York State during this time. Plenty of water and sunlight in summertime foster weed pollen growth. And pollens like ragweed travel for many miles, so even if you don’t live in ragweed areas, they can still affect you.

Symptoms of ragweed allergy include nasal discharge and sneezing, stuffy nose ,itchy eyes and throat, headache and sinusitis.

If you exhibit any of these symptoms, contact Dr. Arthur Lubitz, allergist/immunologist for an appointment @ md.allergy.com. He will provide the treatment that’s right for you.

It could be a chocolate chip cookie, ice cream, wheat, even a banana. In fact, any food can cause an allergic reaction. But in some individuals, it can cause severe migraines.

A migraine is a neurological disorder which renders sufferers vulnerable to repeated activation of brain networks that result in severe head pain and a variety of other symptoms.

Dr. David Dodick, neurologist at the Mayo Clinic and New York Times Health blogger said that the food allergy-migraine connection was recognized by patients and physicians for decades. But until recently, there was little scientific evidence to support this conclusion.

In a recent controlled study published in the journal Cephalagia. A group of migraine patients were tested for IgG antibodies against 266 different food antigens. At a later time, a diet in which the foods to which they had antibodies were eliminated.
There was a significant reduction in the number of migraine attacks.

If you are suspect food allergies are triggering migraines or are unsure, contact Dr. Arthur Lubitz, allergist/immunologist @ mdallergy.com, tel# 212-247-7447. He’ll prescribe the right treatment for you.

Consumers are buying more air fresheners and scented candles and there is a rise of respiratory problems in homes where these products are used, according to allergists at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Boston, Nov 3-8.

“This is a much bigger problem than people realize,” said Stanley Fineman, MD, ACAAI president-elect. “About 20 percent of the population and 34 percent of people with asthma report health problems from air fresheners. We know air freshener fragrances can trigger allergy symptoms, aggravate existing allergies and worsen asthma.” Dr. Fineman warns many of these products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are merely “covering up” —not eliminating—odors in the home.

Studies show that even VOC exposure levels below currently accepted recommendations increase risk of asthma in children. High concentrations of VOCs can trigger eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, and even memory impairment. In his presentation, Dr. Fineman discusses a study of plug-in deodorizers that included more than 20 different VOCs with more than one third of those classified as toxic or hazardous.

If you are experiencing increased respiratory or asthmatic problems at home or work, it may be caused by these airborne chemicals or scents. For a full diagnosis and treatment, contact Dr. Arthur Lubitz, allergist/immunologist, at mdallergy.com, tel.# 212-247-7447.